Modern seismic interpretation increasingly relies on quantitative analysis rather than purely qualitative pattern recognition. Interpreters are expected not only to visualize seismic data but also to manipulate, transform, and integrate multiple attributes, elastic properties, and well-derived measurements to support geological and reservoir decisions. While advanced algorithms and machine learning are important, the day-to-day efficiency of a seismic interpreter still depends heavily on simple, reliable, and intuitive calculation tools.
SubsurfaceAI (SAI) software addresses this need by providing a comprehensive set of user-friendly attribute calculators designed specifically for the daily workflows of seismic interpreters. These calculators allow users to derive new seismic attributes, well logs, horizon-based properties, interval attributes, and strata-grid attributes through straightforward mathematical expressions. In addition, SubsurfaceAI includes a dedicated Elastic Modulus Calculator, enabling rapid and consistent derivation of elastic properties from Vp, Vs, and density (or impedance-based inputs). Together, these tools remove friction from routine interpretation tasks and allow interpreters to focus on geological meaning rather than software mechanics.
Designed for Daily Interpretation Workflows
The attribute calculators in SubsurfaceAI are not niche tools reserved for specialists; they are designed for frequent, everyday use. Whether an interpreter is normalizing attributes, combining volumes, generating ratio-based indicators, or preparing inputs for further quantitative analysis, the calculators are always close at hand and easy to access.
Calculators are launched directly from the project data tree, where seismic volumes, sections, horizons, strata-grids, and well logs are already organized. This design ensures that users do not need to switch contexts or search through complex menus. The same tree-based workflow is used consistently across all data types, making the learning curve minimal even for new users.
Importantly, SubsurfaceAI applies a single, unified calculator concept across:
- 2D and 3D seismic attribute volumes
- Seismic sections
- Well logs
- Seismic attributes extracted on horizons
- Interval-based attributes
- Strata-grid attributes
Once an interpreter understands how the calculator works for one data type, that knowledge immediately transfers to all others.
Intuitive, Calculator-Style Interface
At the core of the SubsurfaceAI attribute calculator is an interface that closely resembles a hand-held scientific calculator. This design choice is deliberate: seismic interpreters are already comfortable with mathematical operations, and the software should support that familiarity rather than replace it with abstract scripting or programming.
Users can construct formulas using:
- Basic arithmetic operators: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Parentheses for controlling calculation order
- A selection of advanced statistical operators, including:
- Mean
- Standard deviation
- Minimum
- Maximum
Input variables are selected directly from the project tree, ensuring that only valid and context-appropriate attributes or logs are used. This eliminates common errors such as mismatched data types or incompatible objects.
For example, an interpreter can easily:
- Compute ratios between two seismic attributes
- Combine multiple attributes into a weighted expression
- Normalize attributes using statistical measures
- Derive new well logs from existing logs
- Apply the same calculation logic to volumes, sections, or surfaces
All of this can be done without writing scripts or leaving the graphical interface.
Reusable Formulas and Attribute Templates
One of the most practical features of the SubsurfaceAI calculator is the ability to store formulas for later reuse. In real interpretation projects, the same mathematical expressions are often applied repeatedly across different datasets, wells, or horizons. By saving formulas, users ensure consistency and reduce repetitive manual work.
In addition to formula storage, users can assign a new attribute template to the derived output. This includes metadata such as naming conventions, units, and display parameters. As a result, derived attributes are immediately ready for visualization, comparison, and integration into interpretation workflows.
This combination of saved formulas and templates is especially valuable in team environments, where consistent attribute definitions are critical for collaboration and quality control.
Consistent Experience Across Data Domains
A key strength of SubsurfaceAI is the consistency of the calculator interface across all data domains. Whether the user is working with:
- A full 3D attribute volume
- A single seismic line or section
- A horizon-extracted attribute map
- An interval or strata-grid representation
the calculator behaves in the same way. Input variables are selected from the same tree structure, formulas are constructed using the same operators, and outputs are managed using the same templates.
This consistency significantly reduces cognitive load. Interpreters do not need to remember different workflows for different data objects, which improves productivity and reduces the risk of mistakes.
Elastic Modulus Calculator: Bridging Logs and Seismic
While general attribute calculators handle a wide range of mathematical transformations, SubsurfaceAI also includes a specialized Elastic Modulus Calculator tailored to quantitative seismic interpretation.
Elastic modulus calculations are essential because pre-stack inversion outputs and well logs are not always provided in the same elastic property domains. For example, inversion results may deliver Vp, Vs, or impedances, while well logs may include different combinations of elastic parameters. To meaningfully integrate well data with seismic attributes, interpreters must work with consistent elastic properties.
The Elastic Modulus Calculator in SubsurfaceAI addresses this challenge directly.
Flexible Inputs: Vp, Vs, and Density
All elastic properties can be derived from Vp, Vs, and density, and SubsurfaceAI fully embraces this physical foundation. The Elastic Modulus Calculator allows density to be:
- A constant value, or
- An attribute object, such as a well log, seismic volume, section, surface, or strata-grid
This flexibility is particularly important in exploration and early appraisal settings, where density may be poorly constrained or only partially available.
Alternatively, the calculator can work with impedance-based inputs (such as IP and IS), allowing seamless use of pre-stack inversion results.
Comprehensive Set of Derived Elastic Properties
Using the Elastic Modulus Calculator, users can quickly derive a full suite of elastic attributes, including:
- P Impedance (IP)
- Compressional Modulus
- S Impedance (IS)
- Mu (Shear Modulus)
- MuRho
- Vp/Vs Ratio
- Poisson’s Ratio
- Lambda
- Bulk Modulus
- Young’s Modulus
- LambdaRho
These properties are fundamental to rock physics analysis, lithology discrimination, fluid prediction, and geomechanical interpretation. By making them readily accessible through a simple interface, SubsurfaceAI ensures that elastic analysis becomes a routine part of interpretation rather than a specialized or time-consuming task.
Supporting Quantitative Interpretation
The true value of the SubsurfaceAI calculators lies in how they support quantitative interpretation workflows. Once elastic properties are derived consistently across wells and seismic data, interpreters can:
- Cross-plot seismic attributes against well logs
- Perform rock physics diagnostics
- Evaluate lithology and fluid sensitivity
- Prepare inputs for machine learning workflows
- Generate standardized attributes for multi-asset studies
Because the same calculator framework applies to logs, volumes, surfaces, and strata-grids, results remain coherent across scales and domains.
Simplicity Without Sacrificing Power
A defining philosophy behind SubsurfaceAI is that powerful tools should not require complex user interaction. The attribute calculators exemplify this philosophy. They provide the mathematical flexibility and physical rigor required by experienced geophysicists while remaining accessible to interpreters who want quick, reliable results.
By avoiding scripting dependencies and emphasizing intuitive design, SubsurfaceAI ensures that interpreters spend less time configuring calculations and more time interpreting the subsurface.
Conclusion
The Attribute Calculators and Elastic Modulus Calculator in SubsurfaceAI are purpose-built for the realities of seismic interpretation. They combine intuitive, calculator-style interfaces with consistent workflows across all data types, enabling interpreters to derive meaningful attributes quickly and accurately.
Whether calculating simple attribute combinations, standardizing elastic properties, or preparing data for advanced quantitative analysis, these calculators form a core component of SubsurfaceAI’s interpretation environment. They transform routine calculations from a bottleneck into a seamless part of daily seismic interpretation—empowering geoscientists to focus on insights, not software.
